Basic Information
*This information applies specifically to the 2020-2021 school year. However, this should give you a good idea of what the startup of band looks like for 2021-2022!*
6th Grade is the only time to join band! The only beginning band, orchestra and chorus classes are offered in 6th grade. Virtually all students at Dodgen choose to join one of these groups, and 6th grade is the only time. Don't miss this opportunity to start on an instrument!
The band includes brass, woodwind & percussion instruments. The instruments in the band are very versatile, and can be used in a wide variety of performance situations, including concert band, symphony orchestra, jazz band, chamber groups, rock bands, and many more! The instrument choices are: Flute, Clarinet, Alto Sax, Trumpet, Trombone, and Percussion (snare drum and bells). Later on, students are given the opportunity to try out for Oboe, Bassoon, Bass Clarinet, Tenor Sax, Baritone Sax, French Horn, Euphonium and Tuba.
We will help you find the instrument that fits you best. The physical characteristics of each person’s face, mouth and hands are unique. These unique features help determine which instruments will fit each individual person. When a student joins band, they are asked to provide three choices of instruments they would like to play. The directors will evaluate each student to determine which of these instruments is the best fit. By using this careful process, each student is guided to an instrument that they will be successful with for many years to come!
This year, this process will be done over a video call! We will schedule a time with each student individually. Since this evaluation is purely visual, we will have no problem pairing each student with their ideal instrument!
Previous musical experience is not necessary! Most band students start with absolutely no formal training playing a musical instrument. Band classes are taught in a way that students with no previous experience can become successful, while those few students that already play will be challenged and continue to progress.
Band is a class on the student's schedule. Band is NOT an extracurricular activity. It is a class during school, and will follow whatever class schedule the school is currently following. To start this year, we will follow the standard remote-learning schedule of two classes per week. The directors will also make themselves available at specific times for extra help and enrichment.
We will NOT schedule mandatory sessions outside of class hours, leaving students time to stay involved in all the activities they already love!
The Dodgen Band is awesome! The Dodgen Band regularly receives awards on the local, state and even national level! Our last national award was Commended Honors by the Mark of Excellence National Wind Band Honors, the only group in the state of Georgia to receive this distinction! On a more local level, band students earned over 300 medals from the Georgia Music Educators Association for superior performance the last time these events were held! On the state level, students regularly earn spots in the Georgia All-State Band. All students who make the All-State Band are recognized with a plaque and photo on the Dodgen Band Wall of Fame!
Dodgen Band students go on to become members of the Walton, Pope and other excellent high school bands. Middle school band is just the beginning of a very rewarding and exciting activity that many students continue for their entire lives! At the high school level, both Walton and Pope High School have outstanding band programs, that compete and perform on the national and international level.
6th Grade is the only time to join band! The only beginning band, orchestra and chorus classes are offered in 6th grade. Virtually all students at Dodgen choose to join one of these groups, and 6th grade is the only time. Don't miss this opportunity to start on an instrument!
The band includes brass, woodwind & percussion instruments. The instruments in the band are very versatile, and can be used in a wide variety of performance situations, including concert band, symphony orchestra, jazz band, chamber groups, rock bands, and many more! The instrument choices are: Flute, Clarinet, Alto Sax, Trumpet, Trombone, and Percussion (snare drum and bells). Later on, students are given the opportunity to try out for Oboe, Bassoon, Bass Clarinet, Tenor Sax, Baritone Sax, French Horn, Euphonium and Tuba.
We will help you find the instrument that fits you best. The physical characteristics of each person’s face, mouth and hands are unique. These unique features help determine which instruments will fit each individual person. When a student joins band, they are asked to provide three choices of instruments they would like to play. The directors will evaluate each student to determine which of these instruments is the best fit. By using this careful process, each student is guided to an instrument that they will be successful with for many years to come!
This year, this process will be done over a video call! We will schedule a time with each student individually. Since this evaluation is purely visual, we will have no problem pairing each student with their ideal instrument!
Previous musical experience is not necessary! Most band students start with absolutely no formal training playing a musical instrument. Band classes are taught in a way that students with no previous experience can become successful, while those few students that already play will be challenged and continue to progress.
Band is a class on the student's schedule. Band is NOT an extracurricular activity. It is a class during school, and will follow whatever class schedule the school is currently following. To start this year, we will follow the standard remote-learning schedule of two classes per week. The directors will also make themselves available at specific times for extra help and enrichment.
We will NOT schedule mandatory sessions outside of class hours, leaving students time to stay involved in all the activities they already love!
The Dodgen Band is awesome! The Dodgen Band regularly receives awards on the local, state and even national level! Our last national award was Commended Honors by the Mark of Excellence National Wind Band Honors, the only group in the state of Georgia to receive this distinction! On a more local level, band students earned over 300 medals from the Georgia Music Educators Association for superior performance the last time these events were held! On the state level, students regularly earn spots in the Georgia All-State Band. All students who make the All-State Band are recognized with a plaque and photo on the Dodgen Band Wall of Fame!
Dodgen Band students go on to become members of the Walton, Pope and other excellent high school bands. Middle school band is just the beginning of a very rewarding and exciting activity that many students continue for their entire lives! At the high school level, both Walton and Pope High School have outstanding band programs, that compete and perform on the national and international level.